"Do you know where he is?" I asked.
She answered hesitatingly, "N-o-o-o."
I saw that she did not want to be questioned, so I remained chatting with
her for an hour, and returned to Whitehall, very proud that I had
restrained my tongue during the interview.
* * * * *
On the afternoon following my interview with Betty, I was sitting in
my room adjoining my Lord's private closet in the Wardrobe, trying in
vain to think of something besides Betty, when I heard a peal of merry
laughter, which I recognized as Nelly Gwynn's. Immediately following, I
heard the deep, unmistakable voice of the king. They had just entered my
Lord's private closet, between which and my room there was a loosely hung
door, permitting me to hear all that was said.
"Ah, Rowley," said Nell. "You have been away from me a long weary time,
and I know you have forgotten me."
The king denied the charge, and doubtless took his own way to convince
her.
"While you have been away, I have found a new friend to console me," said
Nelly.
"Ah!" exclaimed the king, with suddenly awakened interest.
"Yes," returned Nelly.
"Is your new friend a man or a woman?" asked Charles.
"A woman, of course, oh, jealous heart! You know there is but one man in
the world for me--your ugly self."
"Who is your friend?" asked the king.
"I'll give you three guesses. You admire her greatly," said Nelly.
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